metafile

metafile

(graphics, file format)

1. An image file format for transport between different machines, often as a device independent bitmap.

2. A functional specification for encoding computer graphics for later display on some suitable device.

metafile

A file that contains other files. It generally refers to graphics files that can hold vector drawings and bitmaps. For example, Windows Metafiles (WMFs) and Enhanced Metafiles (EMFs) can store pictures in vector graphics and bitmap formats as well as text. A Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM) also stores both types of graphics. See Windows Metafile and CGM.

Container Formats
A metafile that can hold a variety of audio and video formats or any mix of audio, video and text is often called a "container." For example, AVI, MPEG and Ogg are A/V container formats. See container, AVI, MP4 and Ogg Vorbis.